Personal area network systems and devices and methods for use thereof

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for interfacing wireless communications between two devices such that a device devoid of a relatively long-range communications protocol can access that protocol. This may be accomplished by providing a host device having relatively short-range communications circuitry integrated therein, which circuitry may be operative to communicate with relatively short-range communications circuitry of a multi-protocol or long-range communications device that also includes relatively long-range communications circuitry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This relates to personal area networks, devices that may be used in suchnetworks and applications using such networks.

Electronic devices may be equipped with some form of relatively shortrange communications circuitry, such as Bluetooth communicationscircuitry, for enabling communication between those devices. Forexample, a computer and a mouse may each have Bluetooth communicationscircuitry and may be able to communicate to each other via a Bluetoothprotocol. In another example, a wireless telephone may communicate witha headset via Bluetooth or other protocol.

Certain devices, such as wireless telephones, may include circuitry forhandling relatively short range communications protocols (e.g.,Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) and relatively long-range communications protocols(e.g., RF communications protocols such as GSM, GSM with EDGE, andquadband). Other devices may be devoid of any such communicationscircuitry. Such devices may include, for example, digital music andvideo players such those device sold under the name iPod® from AppleInc. of Cupertino, Calif. It is common for a user to carry both amulti-communications protocol device (e.g., wireless telephone) and acommunicationless protocol device (e.g., digital music player). However,because these devices are independent of each other—that is, they do notcommunicate with each other—the user may be burdened with the task ofswitching between devices to perform a desired function (e.g., place acall or listen to music). Systems may exist for interfacing themulti-communications protocol device (e.g., phone) with thecommunicationless protocol device (e.g.,. digital music player),however, such systems require a cumbersome use of wires to interface thedevices (even if the wire is attached to relatively short rangecircuitry for communicating wirelessly with the relatively short rangecircuitry of the multi-communications protocol device).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Systems and methods are provided for interfacing wireless communicationsbetween two devices such that a device devoid of a relatively long-rangecommunications protocol can access that protocol. This may beaccomplished by providing a host device having relatively short-rangecommunications circuitry integrated therein, which circuitry may beoperative to communicate with relatively short-range communicationscircuitry of a multi-protocol or long-range communications device thatalso includes relatively long-range communications circuitry. As definedherein, a host device is a device devoid of circuitry for communicatingwith a long-range communications protocol, but is capable ofcommunicating wirelessly using one or more relatively short-rangecommunications protocols or over a signal transmission medium (e.g., awire, optic cable, fabric, or skin) with another device. Amulti-protocol or long-range communication device may be a devicecapable of communicating with a device using one or more relativelyshort-range communications protocols and with a network orcommunications source using a relatively long-range communicationsprotocol.

The host device can include an interface for enabling a user to accessfunctions typically only provided in devices including long-rangecommunications circuitry. For example, a user may place or take atelephone call using the host device by wirelessly communicating withthe long-range communications device via the short-range communicationsprotocol. Thus, an advantage of the invention is that the host devicecan serve as the interface for performing functions on both the hostdevice and long distance communication device.

In one embodiment, the long-range communication protocol device mayinclude a user interface. This user interface may be accessedindependent of the host device to, for example, place or take calls oraccess other applications or functions that may be executed on themulti-protocol device.

In another embodiment, the long-range communication device may be a“dummy” device or an RF module that includes both short and long-rangecommunications circuitry and an optional power source. The RF module maybe constructed with or without a direct user interface. In addition, theRF module may be constructed to be a high efficiency, low cost, devicethat provides a host device access to a long-range communicationsprotocol. In some embodiments, the RF module may be powered by anexternal power source such as an outlet.

RF modules may be ubiquitous in that they permeate every aspect of aperson's life. For example, a user may keep a RF module on his or herperson such in a purse, handbag or article of clothing, in a house, atransportation vehicle (e.g., a car), or an office. This way, a userneed not worry about having to carry a long-range communications devicewherever he or she may go, as a RF module may be kept in locationsfrequently visited by the user. In some applications, multiple RFmodules may be kept in a location (e.g., a house or city). When the usermoves from one location to another, the host device may determine whichRF module to access when requiring use of a long-range communicationsprotocol. In addition, the host device may maintain a communicationevent (e.g., a telephone call) without interruption (e.g., a droppedcall) when switching from one RF module to another or to a wirelessphone.

Regardless of which long-range communications device is used, the hostdevice can serve as the primary interface unit or host of a personalarea network that wirelessly interfaces that long-range communicationdevice. In some embodiments, the host device may be used to participatein communication events, such as telephone calls and text messages. Forexample, a user may scroll through a list of contacts on the hostdevice, select a contact, and initiate a call with the selected contact.In another example, while a user is listening to music, the host devicecan indicate to the user the occurrence of a communication event (e.g.,telephone call or text message) and provide the user with an opportunityto interact with the communication event.

In other embodiments, peripheral devices may communicate with the hostdevice or a hybrid host/long-range communications device (e.g., a phoneincluding short range communications circuitry) using a short rangecommunications protocol. Peripheral devices can be portable, handheld,miniature, or wearable devices. The peripheral device can be used tocontrol the operation of the host or hybrid device or may be used todisplay information relating to a function or feature of the host orhybrid device. For example, a peripheral device may be a fashionaccessory such as a watch that may display information (e.g., the nameof the currently playing song or name of the person on the call) andalso allow a user to control functions (e.g., playback, volume, ortelephony features such as end call and accept call) of the host device.Other peripheral devices may provide host control functions but may nothave a display, and yet other peripheral devices may provide input(e.g., keyboard) and output (e.g., LCD or printer) functions.

A personal area network may be provided for use in an automobile or inconnection with a communications system in accordance with embodimentsof the invention. In one embodiment a host device may be physicallyconnected to an automobile stereo system and may allow a user to accesstelephony features provided by the host device using the stereo system.For example, a user may browse through contact list information (storedon the host device) using the stereo system and select a user toinitiate a call. When the call is initiated, the host device may accessthe long-range communications protocol of a RF module or wireless phoneto conduct the call. The user's voice may be picked by a microphone thatmay be integrated within the host device, a cable interconnecting thehost device and the stereo system, or associated with the car stereo orother communications system of the automobile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the present invention, its nature andvarious advantages will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to likeparts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is block diagram of a personal network system according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a simplified block diagram of illustrative portableelectronic device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another personal network system accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative block diagram of a RF module in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of another RF module in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows several locations that may harbor a personal area networkin accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 7A-D show different articles that can be integrated with a RFmodule in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart illustrating steps that can be taken to providea RF module with identification information in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart illustrating'steps that can be taken to storeidentification information on a RF module in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows an example where several RF modules may be located indifferent predetermined locations within a structure in accordance withan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of steps that can be taken to determine whichRF module a host device communicates with in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart illustrating transmission of a communicationevent device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12A shows an illustrative contacts list screen in accordance withan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart illustrating receipt of a communications eventin accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 which shows an illustrative contacts list screen in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 shows a flowchart showing steps for using a peripheral device inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 shows a simplified block diagram of an automobile stereointerfacing with a host device in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 17 shows a simplified block diagram of an all inclusive wirelesssystem according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 shows an illustrative sequence of screen shots showing how auser may place a telephone call using an automobile stereo system inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 shows an illustrative sequence of screen shots showing how auser may accept a telephone call using an automobile stereo system inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 shows a block diagram illustrating use of a host device to entera message that is transmitted to a communications source using along-range communication device in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 21 shows an alternative block diagram to that shown FIG. 1 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed ______, entitled“Personal Area Network Systems and Devices for use Thereof” (AttorneyDocket No. 104677-0031-102 (P4770US2)) is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed ______, entitled“Personal Area Network Systems and Devices for use Thereof” (AttorneyDocket No. 104677-0031-103 (P4770US3)) is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

FIG. 1 is block diagram of a personal network system 100 according to anembodiment of the present invention. System 100 includes host device 110which provides a short-range communications protocol network 112. Device110 may be able to wirelessly communicate with other devices such aslong-range communications device 120 and other device 130 located withinnetwork 112. Device 110 may include circuitry capable of performingwireless communication with a relatively short-range wirelesscommunication protocol such as Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11 protocol),Bluetooth (registered trademark), high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz,2.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), other relatively localizedwireless communication protocol, or any combination thereof. Deviceslocated within short-range communications protocol network 112 maywirelessly communicate over a local wireless communication path such aspaths 140 and 142. As defined herein, a local wireless communicationpath enables wireless communication using a short-range communicationsprotocol. When a device is not within network 112, that device may beout of range and not able to wirelessly communicate with device 110.Therefore, a device may need to be within network 112 to be able towirelessly communicate with device 110.

In one embodiment, the short range communications circuitry may beintegrated within the packaging of device 110 (e.g., integrated into aprinted circuit board of the device), or in other embodiments, may beincluded in an accessory device that is docked or connected to device110. The accessory device may be, for example, a relatively unobtrusivedevice that provides device 110 with short-range communicatingfunctionality such as a dongle that plugs into device 110. A moredetailed discussion of a dongle or docking station that can be pluggedinto device 110 can be found, for example, in U.S. patent applicationpublication No. 2004-0224638, which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety herein.

Examples of device 110 may include, for example, a media player soldunder the name iPod® by Apple Inc., of Cupertino, Calif., pocket-sizedpersonal computers such as an iPAQ Pocket PC available by HewlettPackard Inc., of Palo Alto, Calif., personal digital assistants (PDAs),a desktop computer, a laptop computer, and any other device capable ofcommunicating wirelessly (with or without the aid of a wireless enablingaccessory system). In some embodiments, device 110 does not includerelatively long-range communications circuitry, and thus cannot place orreceive communications events independently, for example, in the samemanner a wireless telephone can independently place or receive a call.In some embodiments, even though device 110 does include long-rangecommunications circuitry, device may be able to place or receive callsusing VOIP or LAN.

Long-range communication device 120 may be a device capable ofcommunicating with a device using one or more relatively short-rangecommunications protocols (as discussed above) and with communicationssource 150 using one or more relatively long-range communicationsprotocols. Long-range communication device 120 may sometimes be referredto herein as a multi-protocol device. The short-range communicationsprotocol may be same protocol used by device 110 to establish a shortrange communications network (e.g., network 112). The long-rangecommunications protocol may include, for example, protocols used bywireless and cellular phones and personal email devices (e.g.,Blackberry (registered trademark)). For example, such protocols caninclude GSM, GSM plus EDGE, CDMA, quadband, and other cellularprotocols. In another example, a long range communications protocol caninclude wi-fi. An example of multi-protocol device may be a wirelesstelephone with Bluetooth. Another example of such a device may be a “IRFmodule,” which is discussed in more detail below in connection withFIGS. 3-5.

One of the advantages provided by embodiments of the present inventionis that one device, which can be devoid of a particular communicationsprotocol, can directly wirelessly access another device which has thatparticular communications protocol. For example, host device 110 canaccess device 120 to have access to a two-way long-range communicationsprotocol that is not included with host device 110.

There may be applications where in one embodiment, a particularcommunications protocol (e.g., wi-fi) can be used as a short-rangecommunications protocol, and in another embodiment, that same particularcommunications protocol (e.g., wi-fi) can be used as the long-rangecommunications protocol. Regardless of which embodiment is implemented,when a particular communications protocol is used for a short-rangecommunications protocol, a communications protocol other than thatparticular communications protocol used for the short-rangecommunications protocol is used for a long-range communicationsprotocol.

Communications source 150 may be a network or communications tower thatdevice 120 communicates with over long-range path 152. Communicationssource 150 may be, for example, a wireless communications infrastructureincluding communications towers and telecommunications servers.

Communications using short and long-range communications protocols caninclude two-way communications. That is, the circuitry using the shortor long-range communications protocol can send and receive data. Forexample, host device 110 can transmit information to and receiveinformation from long-range communications device 120 using ashort-range protocol. Long-range communications device 120 can transmitand receive data from communications source 150 using a long-rangecommunications protocol.

While the differences between long-range and short-range wirelesscommunications may at times become blurred (e.g., it may be difficult todifferentiate the communication range of long and short-rangeprotocols), one differentiating factor may be the bandwidth or datatransfer rate of the wireless communication protocol. Certainshort-range protocols may transfer data at a higher rate than long-rangeprotocols. For example, a short-range wireless protocol such as 802.11may transfer data at 54 Mb/s. Another differentiating factor may bepower consumption. Certain short-range protocols may require more powerto operate than their long-range counterparts. For example, a Wi-Ficommunications protocol may consume more power than a wireless phonebroadband communication protocol. Other short-range protocols such asBluetooth may consume less power than a long-range protocol with atradeoff that it may not transmit data at a rate higher than thelong-range counterpart. Thus, a tradeoff may exist between long andshort-range wireless communication protocols, each protocol providingits own advantages.

Another differentiating factor between short-range and long-rangeprotocols may be the distance signals travel from one node to anotherwithout using an intermediate medium such as a network or repeaterstation. For example, node-to-node distances for long-range protocolsmay be at least one order of magnitude greater than node-to-nodedistances for short-range protocols. Short-range protocols may havenode-to-node distances that extend up to a first predetermined distanceand long-range protocols may have node-to-node distances that extend toa second predetermined distance, where the second predetermined distanceis greater than the first predetermined distance. The long-rangenode-to-node distance may be at least 100 feet, 500 feet, or 1000 feet.The traveling distance may include the distance signals can travel andstill contain data that can be retrieved. That is, a signal may have aneffective traveling distance (which includes the range in which data canbe transmitted from one node and accessed by another node) even thoughthe signal may travel further.

While certain wi-fi communications (e.g., long-range wi-fi) cancommunicate data over distances that span several miles (e.g., up to 130miles), this requires specific point-to-point connectivity andsubstantial power, more power that may be provided by a portablehand-held electronic device. In addition, such long-range wi-fi can emitdangerous levels of radiation, levels that can far exceed maximum levelsset by governing bodies such as the Federal Communications Commissionfor use in portable devices. In some embodiments, the long-rangecommunications protocol includes communications protocols other thanlong-range wi-fi.

Other device 130 shows that device 110 may host a network for otherdevices in addition to device 120. Device 130 may be a device includingonly short-range communications circuitry or both short and long-rangecommunications circuitry that communicates with device 110 over localpath 142. In one embodiment, device 130 may be an accessory (e.g., awatch) capable of short range communication and may include a userinterface. The user may interact with the interface to execute afunction (e.g., modify playback of media or cause device 110 to receiveor end a call) without requiring the user to physically interact withdevice 110 directly. It is understood that multiple such other devices130 may be wirelessly interfaced with device 110's network, but only oneis shown in the drawing to avoid overcrowding.

Wireless short-range communications can refer to direct node-to-nodewireless communications between two devices without use of anintermediate medium. For example, host device 110 can wirelesslycommunicate directly with long-range communications device 120 ordirectly with other device 130 without the use of an intermediate medium(e.g., network, server or repeater). In addition, long-rangecommunications can refer to direct node-to-node wireless communicationswithout the use of an intermediate medium. Though, when a signal iswirelessly received at a node in a direct node-to-node communication, itmay be routed through an intermediate medium (e.g., network) to reach adesired destination (e.g., another node).

FIG. 2 shows a simplified block diagram of illustrative portableelectronic device 200. Device 200 may serve as the host of a personalarea network or short range network according to the invention. Device200 may include processor 202, storage device 204, user interface 208,display 210, CODEC 212, bus 218, memory 220, and communicationscircuitry 222. Processor 202 can control the operation of many functionsand other circuitry included in electronic device 200. Processor 202 maydrive display 210 and may receive user inputs from user interface 208.

Storage device 204 or memory 220 may store media (e.g., music and videofiles), software (e.g., for implementing functions on device 200),preference information (e.g., media playback preferences), lifestyleinformation (e.g., food preferences), exercise information (e.g.,information obtained by exercise monitoring equipment), transactioninformation (e.g., information such as credit card information),wireless connection information (e.g., information that may enabledevice 200 to establish a wireless connection using a multi-protocoldevice), subscription information (e.g., information that keeps tracksof podcasts or television shows or other media a user subscribes to),contacts information (e.g., telephone numbers and email address),calendar information, and any other suitable data. Storage device 204may store data for “pairing” itself or communicating with one or moredevices (e.g., a multi-protocol device) using a short rangecommunications protocol. Storage device 204 may include one more storagemediums, including for example, a hard-drive, flash memory, permanentmemory such as ROM, semi-permanent memory such as RAM, or cache.

Memory 220 may include one or more different types of memory which maybe used for performing device functions. For example, memory 220 mayinclude cache, Flash, ROM, and/or RAM. Memory may be specificallydedicated to storing firmware. For example, memory may be provided forstoring firmware for device applications (e.g., operating system, userinterface functions, and processor functions). Memory 220 may also storemedia. It is understood that device 200 can include storage device 204,but not memory 220, or memory 220, but not storage device 204.

Bus 218 may provide a data transfer path for transferring data to, from,or between storage device 204, communications circuitry 222, memory 220,and processor 202. Coder/decoder (CODEC) 212 may be included to convertdigital audio signals into an analog signal, which may be provided to anoutput port (not shown).

User interface 208 may allow a user to interact with electronic device200. For example, user input device 208 can take a variety of forms,such as a button, keypad, dial, click wheel, or touch screen. Userinterface 208 may include a multi-touch screen such as that described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,323,846, which is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety. User interface 208 may emulate a rotary phone or amulti-button keypad, which may be implemented on a touch screen or thecombination of a click wheel or other user input device and a screen. Amore detailed discussion of such a rotary phone interface may be found,for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/591,752, filed Nov.1, 2006, entitled “Touch Pad with Symbols based on Mode,” which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Communications circuitry 222 (sometimes referred to herein as personalarea network circuitry or short-range communications circuitry) mayenable device 200 to function as a host for a personal area network.That is, communications circuitry 222 may enable device 200 towirelessly communicate with one or more devices using a short rangecommunications protocol. For example, communications circuitry 222 maysupport wi-fi communications (e.g., one of the 802.11 standards),Bluetooth, Nordic, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and5.6 GHz communication systems), and other relatively localized wirelesscommunication protocols.

In one embodiment, electronic device 200 may be a portable computingdevice dedicated to processing media such, as audio and video. Forexample, device 200 may be a media player (e.g., MP3 player), a gameplayer, a remote controller, a portable communication device, a remoteordering interface, an audio tour player, or other suitable personaldevice. Device 200 may be battery-operated and highly portable so as toallow a user to listen to music, play games or video, record video ortake pictures, place and take telephone calls when it has access to amulti-protocol device, control other devices, be controlled by a deviceassociated with the host device's personal area network, and anycombination thereof. In addition, device 200 may be sized such that itfits relatively easily into a pocket or hand of the user. By beinghandheld, or smaller, device 200 can be easily handled and utilized byits user and thus may be taken practically anywhere the user travels.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another personal network system 300according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 300 caninclude host device 310, RF module 320, and communications source 350.Device 310 and RF module 320 may wirelessly communicate with each otherusing a short-range communications protocol. Device 310 may communicatewith other devices (not shown) located within short-range network 312.RF module 320 and communications source 350 (which may be similar tocommunications source 150 of FIG. 1) may wirelessly communicate witheach other using a long-range communications protocol. Communicationsbetween device 310 and device 320 and communications between device 320and communications source 350 may be some form of two-waycommunications.

Device 310 may include a user interface and short range communicationscircuitry for communicating with short range circuitry included in RFmodule 320. In addition, device 310 may include software such asuser-interface software that enables a user to access features typicallyreserved for devices having long-range communication capabilities.Including such software advantageously enables device 310 to serve asthe “brain” or “host” of a personal area network and to communicate withrelatively simplified devices (such as RF module 320) constructed forproviding device 310 with access to one or more long-rangecommunications protocols.

RF module 320 may be constructed to be a high efficiency, low cost,device including circuitry for supporting one or more long-rangecommunications protocols. RF module 320 need not be constructed toinclude a user interface (e.g., a screen and a keypad) and software toexecute functions that may be implemented in response to userinteractions with the interface as the interface and such software mayreside within device 310. Note, however, that RF module 320 may includesome form of a limited interface such as, for example, an ON/OFF switchor a network presence indicator.

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative block diagram of RF module 400 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. RF module 400may include short range communications circuitry 410 (e.g., forcommunicating with a host device such as device 210 of FIG. 2),long-range communications circuitry 420 (e.g., for communicating with acommunications source), and power source 430. Circuitry 410 and 420 maybe powered by power source 430 and may communicate with each other overpath 450. Short range communications circuitry 410 may include, forexample, Bluetooth circuitry, Wi-Fi circuitry (e.g., 802.11),short-range radio circuitry (e.g., walkie-talkie type circuitry),NORDIC, a combination thereof, and any other suitable circuitry forhandling relatively short range communications circuitry.

In addition to interfacing with a wireless network of a host device,short range circuitry 410 may be used to communicate with networks otherthan the personal area network provided by the host device, effectivelyextending the range of the host device's ability to transmit and receivedata from a communications source operating according to the same shortrange communications protocol as RF module 400. For example, a shortrange communications source (e.g., a “wi-fi” hotspot) may provide emailor other content (e.g., Internet content) to RF module 400.

Long-range circuitry 420 may include, for example, Global System forMobile Communications (GSM) circuitry, Synchronous Code DivisionMultiplexing (CDMA) circuitry, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)circuitry, GSM Evolution (EDGE) circuitry, or a combination thereof.Long-range circuitry 420 may be capable of processing telephone calls,emails, text messages (e.g., SMS texting), Internet data (e.g., forreceiving web pages), global positioning information, and any othersuitable data. Long-range communications circuitry 420 can also includean antenna (not shown).

Power source 430 may be a permanently fixed or removable rechargeablebattery, such as a lithium-ion battery, disposable alkaline battery, orany other portable power source, including kinetic energy converters. RFmodule 400 may be constructed to receive power from an external sourcesuch as a conventional outlet, a car outlet, or an external batterypack. In some embodiments, power source 430 may be omitted if anexternal power source is used.

RF module 400 may include other circuitry 440 which may include, forexample., memory, a processor, power management circuitry, or acombination thereof. Other circuitry 440 may be incorporated into one ormore of circuitry 410 and 420.

RF module 400 may include identity circuitry (not shown) that uniquelyidentifies it to a communications source (not shown) so thecommunications source knows who it is communicating with. This circuitrymay store a unique number or key such as those commonly associated witha Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or a Removable User IdentityModule (RUIM) card that enables a wireless phone service provider toidentify a wireless phone service subscriber. This identity circuitrymay, in one embodiment, retain one or more SIM or RUIM cards. In anotherembodiment, the identity circuitry can be programmable (e.g., likefirmware) to permanently store identification data.

Regardless of which identification embodiment is used, the ability toassign identifier information can be relatively simple and inexpensive.For example, a user can purchase a SIM card from a wireless serviceprovider and insert the card into device 400. As another example, a usercan download a software package, such as a firmware update, and installthat software on device 400.

The identification data may be used to authenticate RF modules.Authentication can include the process of pairing one more RF modules toa host device or establishing communications with a communicationssource (e.g., cellular telephone network).

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of another RF module 520 in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. RF module 520 may be connectedto host device 510 by wired link 525 (e.g., a cable). Using wired link525 to establish communication between device 510 and RF module 520 mayenable module 520 to be constructed to include long-range communicationscircuitry (not shown) and an optional internal power source (not shown)but no short range communications circuitry. In addition, use of wiredlink 525 may provide for a more stable connection or faster throughputin data transfer between host device 510 and RF module 520 than awireless connection. The internal power source may be optional becausehost device 510 may supply the power needed to operate electronicscontained in RF module 520.

In some embodiments, RF module 520 may be physically attached to hostdevice 510. For example, module 520 may clip onto host device 510 ormodule 520 may be constructed to retain host device 510 within a hostdevice retaining region of the module. In some embodiments, RF module520 may have a port for providing a direct module to host deviceconnection, eliminating a need for a wired link.

Another advantage of the RF module according to embodiments of theinvention is that designers have considerable design flexibility in itsconstruction. While space requirements and the need for circuitry suchas short range and long-range communications circuitry may be fixed,other components such as the battery may be selectively included andvary in size. For example, a RF module may be designed to be relativelylightweight and highly portable device by using, for example, arelatively small capacity battery. Larger and more robust RF modules maybe constructed to have a relatively large capacity battery.

The RF module according to some embodiments of the invention may be usedin many different applications, several, but not all, of which aredisclosed herein. The RF module may provide a host device access to acommunications protocol that may not otherwise be available. In oneexemplary application, the RF module may provide the host device withthe ability to process telephone calls, text messages, emails, and otherservices that may be provided by a wireless service provider, providedthe host device is in communication with the RF module. As discussedabove in connection with FIGS. 3 and 5, a host device may be in awireless or non-wired communication with a RF module. Referring to FIG.3, a host device may be in communication with a RF module if the RFmodule is within network 312. Specific examples of where personal areanetworks may exist between a host device and a RF module are shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 6 shows person 610, house 620, car 630, and office 640, each ofwhich may harbor a personal area network. It should be understood thatalthough each of these specific examples are discussed with reference toa RF module, devices other than a RF module (such as a wireless phone)may be used to provide the host device access to a long-rangecommunications protocol. In each example, assume that at least a hostdevice and multi-protocol device exists within the personal areanetwork.

A personal area network may exist about person 610. In this example, theperson may keep the host device and RF module in his or her pocket(s),or alternatively, the host device may be kept in a pocket and the RFmodule may be kept in another location located on the person (e.g., onanother article of clothing) or substantially near the person such as anaccessory item (e.g., handbag, backpack, or purse). In some embodiments,the RF module may be integrated with clothing or an accessory item,providing functional fashion having communications ability. As definedherein, integration of a RF module refers to incorporating the RF moduleinto an item such that it appears to be part of the item, not merelyresiding within or attached to the item.

FIG. 7A shows an example of bag 700 (e.g., handbag) having integrated RFmodule 710. RF module 710 is shown to be integrated in strap 702, thoughit is understood that it may be integrated elsewhere within bag 700(e.g., a specifically designed pocket). Placing RF module 710 in strap702 (as opposed to within bag 700) may advantageously enhance thetransmission and reception capability of RF module 710. In anotherembodiment, a pouch or other retaining device or article capable ofcontaining a RF module may be attached (e.g., clipped) to bag 700.

As indicated above, RF modules according to the invention may beconstructed in a single or multi-part construction. FIG. 7A shows a RFmodule of single part construction integrated within strap 710, whereasFIG. 7B shows a RF module of multi-part construction integrated withinstrap 724 of bag 720. In bag 720, communications circuitry portion 732may be integrated within strap 722 and battery portion 734 may beretained within bag 720 in a predetermined location. Cable 736 mayelectrically couple circuitry portion 732 and battery portion 734.Battery portion 734 may be removed from the bag for replacement or to berecharged, depending on the type of energy storage device contained inbattery portion 734.

FIG. 7C shows an article of clothing 750 having a built-in pocket forcontaining a RF module according to an embodiment of the invention. Thepocket (not shown) may be located in a region of the article so thatwhen the RF module is contained therein, it is in a position that maymaximize transmission and reception efficiency.

FIG. 7D shows a shoe containing a RF module in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. The RF module may be located in a region ofthe shoe so that when the RF module is contained therein, it is in aposition that may maximize transmission and reception efficiency.

Referring back to FIG. 6, a RF module may be placed in a strategiclocation within house 620, for example, near a window or on an upperfloor. As also shown, a RF module may be placed in car 630 or office640. An advantage of using RF modules in accordance with the inventionis that a user need not carry a RF module on his or her person whereever he or she may go, but may keep a RF module at one or morelocations. Thus, when a user is in one of those locations (e.g., house620, car 630, office 640), the host device may establish a short rangecommunications network with the RF module to access the RF module'slong-range communications protocol.

Because it is possible to keep RF modules in several differentlocations, it may be desirable for each RF module to be configured toidentify or authenticate itself by the same identification informationto a communications source (e.g., a wireless service provider). Thisidentification information may be stored, for example, by the hostdevice, which may provide the identification information to the RFmodule.

A number of approaches may be used to provide identification informationto the RF module device. In one approach, the host device may providethe identification information to a RF module each time it establishesshort range communication with the module. Such an approach may besuitable for use in connection with “public” RF modules, which may bemodules accessible by any host device in short range communication withthe module. When the host device is in communication with a publicmodule, a user may use the host device to, for example, place andreceive calls. The public RF module may temporarily store a hostdevice's identification number, for at least the duration which the hostdevice is in communication with the RF module. Storing the number canenable that RF module to receive and relay calls to a host device.

In another approach, the host device may transmit identificationinformation during an initial short range communications negotiation,after which, the host device need not transmit identificationinformation again. This approach may be useful to initialize “private”RF modules, which may be specifically dedicated for use by one or morepredetermined users. Initializing RF modules advantageously eliminates aneed for a potentially time consuming transmission of identificationinformation each time a host device negotiates a connection with a RFmodule. After initialization, each RF module is primed and ready toprovide the host device access to a long-range communications protocol.

In another approach, the RF module may receive identificationinformation from a device other than the host device. For example, theRF module may interface with a computer (e.g., by a wired or wirelessconnection) and receive identification information. In another example,a circuit containing identification information may be installed in theRF module.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart illustrating steps that may be taken to providea RF module with identification information. Starting at step 810, a RFmodule can be provided. At step 820, a short range communications linkbetween a host device and the RF module can be established. At step 830,a determination can be made as to whether the RF module hasidentification information. If it does have the information, then theprocess may end at step 835. If it does not have the information, thenthe process may proceed to step 840, at which point, the identificationinformation may be transmitted to the RF module from the host device. Atstep 850, the identification information may be stored, for example,permanently or temporarily, within the RF module.

The host device may obtain the identification information in a number ofdifferent ways. In one approach, it may obtain the information from acomputer (e.g., a user's personal computer). Using a computer, the usermay download identification information from, for example, a wirelessprovider or other identification information source. If the user has anaccount with the wireless provider, the wireless provider may provideinformation to the host device that may otherwise only be included inthe user's wireless phone. In some embodiments, the user may be requiredto purchase identification information. Such purchases may be performedover the internet or other public network. In another approach, a hostdevice may be provided with identification information from a businesscomputer or kiosk. It should be understood that in some embodiments, aRF module may receive identification information directly from a sourceother than a host device. For example, a RF module may interface with apersonal computer or kiosk and receive identification information.

In another approach, the host device may retrieve identificationinformation from the user's wireless telephone. When the identificationinformation is retrieved, it may be provided to each RF module. The hostdevice may wirelessly provide the identification information to the RFmodules or a wired connection may be established between the host deviceand each module.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart illustrating steps that may be taken to storeidentification information on a RF module in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. Starting at step 910, at least one RFmodule, a wireless phone, and an information transfer device areprovided. The information transfer device may be a host device,computer, or other suitable device. At step 920, the transfer device isused to obtain identification information from the wireless telephone.The transfer device may interface with the wireless device using a shortrange communications protocol or a wired link. At step 930, theidentification information from the transfer device is provided from thetransfer device to the at least one RF module. In effect, each RF moduleassumes the identity of the user's phone, advantageously providing along-range communications device that may operate more efficiently(e.g., have longer operating life) than its wireless phone counterpart.At step 940, the identification information may be stored in at leastone RF module.

FIG. 10 shows an example where several RF modules 1010 may be located indifferent predetermined locations within structure 1000 in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. The structure may besufficiently large enough in size to warrant the need for more than oneRF module, as one module may not provide sufficient short range networkto ensure that it can be accessed by a host device anywhere within thestructure. Each RF module 1010 may provide a short range network, asindicated by dashed lines 1012. Thus, when host device 1020 is within ashort range network 1012 of a particular module, it may communicate withthat module. If desired, wireless phone 1030 may be provided withinstructure 1000, in addition to RF modules 1010, and may provide a shortrange network 1032 that may be accessed by host device 1020.

There may be times when host device 1020 is able to communicate with twoor more RF modules. During such times, host device 1020 may determinewhich module to communicate with, depending on a given number offactors, including, for example, monitored signal strength. In someembodiments, the host device may switch from one module to another (or awireless phone) while maintaining a telephone connection as the hostdevice is moved from one region (where the host device can communicatewith a first module) to another region (where the host device cancommunicate with a second module but not the first module).

Each RF module can simultaneously support multiple host devices eachconducting its own communications event (e.g., telephone call). Such RFmodules may be used to setup a network (such as a citywide network, abusiness network, a conference center network, or a home network) forenabling multiple host devices to access any one of the modules. Thehost device can communicate with the RF module using a short-rangecommunications protocol and the RF module can communicate with acommunications source (e.g., cellphone tower) using a long-rangecommunications source.

When several RF modules are available for communicating with a hostdevice, such as that shown in FIG. 10 or in a city wide network (orother relatively large scale network) of RF modules, the host device mayselect which RF module it communicates with based on one or moredifferent attributes. For example, attributes may include geography,short-range communications protocol signal strength, long-rangecommunications protocol signal strength, power source, available powerlevels, access rights, bandwidth availability, and any combinationthereof. Using geographical attributes, the host device may select theclosest RF module. Some RF devices may be powered by a fixed supplysource (such as a battery) or an unlimited supply source (such asutility power). Given a choice between using a fixed or unlimited supplysource, the host device may select the RF module powered by theunlimited power source to preserve the power supply in the fixed powersource. Given a choice between RF modules powered by fixed powersources, the host device may select one of the modules based onavailable power levels of the fixed supply sources.

The host device may weigh certain attributes more heavily than otherswhen determining which RF module to select. For example, signal strengthmay be a more important attribute than power source. The weightsaccorded to each attribute can by set by a user or by the host device.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of steps that can be taken to determine whichRF module a host device communicates with in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. Starting at step 1110, several RFmodules can be provided, where each RF module can be located in apredetermined location. For example, several modules may be placedwithin a single structure or the modules may be dispersed among manydifferent and independent locations such as in a car, home, and office.At step 1120, a host device capable of communicating with each module,when the module is located within the host device's short range network,can be provided. At step 1130, the host device can be used to determinewhich RF module to communicate with using a short range communicationsprotocol. In some embodiments, in addition to the RF modules, a wirelessphone may be included as one of the devices the host device cancommunicate with using a short range protocol. After this determinationis made, the host device can communicate with the module determined tobe the optimal module for short range communication, as indicated atstep 1140.

At step 1150, the host device is moved to a new location. For example,the host device may be moved from a car to a home. As another example,the host device may be moved to a new location within a structure. Afterthe host device is moved, steps 1130 and 1140 are repeated. If, afterthe move, the host device detects another RF module with which it canestablish a better short range communications link, it may begincommunicating with that new RF module.

There may be times when the host device can communicate with more thanone RF module or a cellphone. In these situations, the host device maydecide which long-range communications device to use. For example, thehost device may weigh preference factors (as previously disclosed above)to determine which long-range communications device to use.

An advantage of the invention is that the host device can provide a userinterface and run software that are superior to that which may exist ona wireless phone. In addition, because wireless phones are constantlybeing redesigned to have different interfaces and operating software,which require users to become acquainted therewith each time theyacquire a new phone, embodiments of the present invention eliminate theneed for a user to learn how to use such features by enabling a user touse the familiar and easy to use interface and software of the hostdevice. That is, the host device provides an intuitive interface foraccessing telephone-related features (e.g., contacts, text messaging,calls, calendar, photos, and options), regardless of whether the hostdevice is communicating with a wireless phone or RF module.

Another advantage of the invention is that users may accesstelephone-related features using the host device without the host devicebeing physically connected to a device that provides access tolong-range communication. That is, the user is not encumbered withhandling the device having the long-range communications circuitry whenaccessing telephone-related features. This provides a trouble free andpleasant experience for the user.

The host device may locally store all the data and software necessaryfor enabling the host device to provide telephone-related features. Thedata and software may be part of the host device's original OEMprogramming or may be provided to the host device in a software update.In other approaches, contact information, calendar information, taskinformation, and other information that may, for example, be updated ona regular basis may be provided to the host device. For example, suchinformation may be provided when the host device communicates with ahost computer, which may be a source of this information. When the hostdevice and host computer are communicating, a synchronization processmay commence to update the information stored on the host device suchthat it matches the information stored on the host computer. It isunderstood that communication between the host device and host computermay take place on a wired or wireless link.

In embodiments where the host device communicates with a RF module, thehost device may provide the user interface for enabling a user to accessfeatures typically provided by wireless telephones (e.g., contact list,text messaging editor) and other features that may or may not beincluded with a wireless phone (such as a web browser or an online storeinterface for ordering media (e.g., songs, movies, and tv shows)). Thatis, the host device may be the only source of a user interface foraccessing the long-range protocol of the RF module.

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart illustrating transmission of a communicationevent device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Acommunications event can be an event involving an act of transmittingdata from the user (which may include the user's host device andlong-range communications device (e.g., wireless phone or RF module)) orreceiving data from another source (e.g., a communications source oranother user's phone or host device). The data can include data forvoice (e.g., telephone calls), text messages, emails, media such asaudio files (e.g., songs or ringtones) and videos, and other suitablemedia requiring use of a long-range communications protocol.

Beginning at step 1210, a host device can be used to initiate acommunications event. For example, referring briefly to FIG. 12A, whichshows an illustrative contacts list screen 1280, a user may accesscontacts using the user interface of the host device to, for example,call a particular person. If desired, a user may use a peripheral devicethat is wirelessly or physically coupled to the host device to initiatea communication event. For example, a user may have a watch that candisplay a list of contacts and allows the user to select one of thenames in the contact list to initiate a phone call.

In response to initiation of the communication event, long-rangecommunications circuitry located in a device other than the host devicecan be accessed, as indicated by step 1220. The other device containingthe long-range communications circuitry may be a wireless phone or RFmodule.

At step 1230, the long-range communications circuitry can be used tocommunicate with a communications source (such as communications source150 of FIG. 1). When communication is established between the long-rangecommunications circuitry and the communications source, data may betransmitted from and received by the long-range communicationscircuitry. Thus, data received may be provided to the host device anddata transmitted may be provided by the host device. Such communicationmay allow a user to communicate, as indicated by step 1240. The user mayparticipate in the communication event by directly using the hostdevice, using a headset wirelessly or physically connected to the hostdevice, or using a peripheral device.

The order of the steps disclosed in FIG. 12 are not fixed and that thesteps may be performed in a different order depending, for example, onwhich communications event is being initiated. For example, if a userdesires to transmit a text message or email or other media that does notrequire real-time two way communications, the host device may not accessthe long-range communications circuitry until after the user enters acommand to send the text message or email. In this example, step 1240may be performed before steps 1220 and 1230 are performed.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart illustrating receipt of a communications eventin accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Starting at step1310, a communications event (e.g., email, text message, telephone call)can be received at a device including long-range communicationscircuitry (e.g., a wireless telephone or a RF module). At step 1320,receipt of the communication event can be communicated to a host device,which can be a device that does not include long-range communicationcircuitry. For example, if the communication event is a telephone call,the host device may display the number or the name (and picture) of aperson corresponding to the caller and provide the user with the optionto accept the call. As another example, if the communication event is atext message, the host device may indicate who sent the message andprovide the user with the option to read the email. The device,including the long-range communication circuitry, may use short rangecommunications circuitry to communicate with the host device.

At step 1330, a user may be allowed to communicate. Some interactionssuch as phone calls may require continuous exchange of data between thelong-range communications circuitry and a communications source whereasother interactions such as text messaging may only require discreet dataexchange intervals. The user may interact with the communications eventby directly using the host device or a peripheral device wirelessly orphysically coupled to the host device. For example, if the event is acall, the user may accept the call and commence conversation with theother party. The user may accept the call by, for example, pressing abutton on the host device or a peripheral device (such as a watch).Alternatively, the user may press a button associated with a headsetphysically or wirelessly connected to the host device to accept a call.If the communications event is an email or text message, the user mayrespond using a keyboard peripheral device.

FIG. 14 shows an illustrative block diagram of a personal area networkwirelessly interconnecting host device 1410 and at least one peripheraldevice 1420 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Peripheral device 1420 may include circuitry for wirelesslycommunicating with host device 1410 using a short range communicationsprotocol over path 1430. Peripheral device 1420 is not a wireless phoneor a RF module, but a device that may enable a user to access featuresof host device 1410 without having to touch or view host device 1410.This advantageously enables the user to keep host device 1410 in apocket or other relatively inaccessible location, yet still be able tointeract with host device 1410.

In some embodiments, peripheral devices 1420 may be conventionalartifacts such as watches, jewelry, a button such as a shirt or coatbutton, and articles of clothing that include at least an interface andshort range communications circuitry. In watches, for example, an LCDscreen may be included to display information (e.g., which song isplaying, a name in a contact list, or a person calling) relating to hostdevice 1410. It may be desirable for the interfaces that control hostdevice functions to be discreet.

In other embodiments, peripheral devices may include user input devicesuch as keyboards and mice, display devices such as CRTs and LCDs, andoutput devices such as printers, all of which may be in a wireless orphysical communication with the host device.

It should be understood that although peripheral devices are discussedin context with a host device, peripheral devices according toembodiments of the invention may be used in connection with a telephoneincluding circuitry for handling short range communications such as aphone with Bluetooth technology. It is further understood that variousother signal transmission mediums such as fabric and skin (e.g., theskin of a live human) may be used to exchange signals between peripheraland host devices.

FIG. 15 shows an illustrative flowchart for using a peripheral device inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. Beginning at step 1510,communication can be established between a host device and a peripheraldevice. The communication can be a wireless communication implementedusing a short range communications protocol. Establishment ofcommunication between a host device and a peripheral device can bereferred to as pairing of devices.

At step 1520, the peripheral device can be used to control the hostdevice. For example, if the host device is playing music, the peripheraldevice may control playback of the music, including controlling thevolume. In some embodiments, the peripheral device may include a displayto indicate to the user which song is being played back. In someembodiments, the peripheral device can provide a simplified version ofthe interface that may be available on the host device.

In another example, if the peripheral device instructs the host deviceto perform an action requiring the use of a long-range communicationsprotocol, the host device may access the long-range communicationscircuitry of a wireless phone or a RF module to perform the desiredaction.

The personal area network existing between a host device and a deviceincluding long-range communications circuitry may be used in manydifferent applications and environments, one of which may be anautomobile. Many automobiles have stereo systems that include a dockingsystem for physically connecting the stereo system to a host device(e.g., via an audio output jack of the host device). Many aftermarketkits are available to fit stereo systems with the necessary hardware tointerface with a host device for those cars lacking the necessaryequipment. Some of these aftermarket kits include a cable that canprovide charging and serial data communications.

Some automobiles may be outfitted with a carphone or CB system.Carphones and CB systems are different from the host device andlong-range communications device of the present invention for at leastthe reason that earphones and CB system cannot be easily upgraded over anetwork. That is, the host device may receive direct user interfaceupgrades over a connection (whether wired or wireless) and is notconstrained by the RF communications circuitry. Another difference isthat earphones and CB systems require relatively high power andsubstantial antennas to operate.

FIG. 16 shows a simplified illustrative block diagram of an automobilestereo interfacing with a host device in accordance with an embodimentof the invention. Automobile 1600 can include stereo 1610 with dockingsystem 1615. Host device 1620, stereo cable with microphone 1630, andlong-range communications device 1640 can be placed in automobile 1600,but are not necessarily permanent fixtures of the automobile. Cable withmicrophone 1630 can connect host device 1620 to docking system 1615 toallow audio signals (for playing music through the automobile's stereosystem) and data signals (e.g., for displaying contact information orsong information on the stereo display screen) to be processed by stereo1610. That is, stereo system 1610 may process signals provided by hostdevice 1620. In addition, stereo 1610 may provide signals to host device1620 in response to user inputs (e.g., accept call or end call inputs)to stereo 1610. The microphone included with cable 1630 may be used toreceive audio signals (from the user) and provide those signals to hostdevice 1620.

The microphone need not be included with the cable and may be providedelsewhere within automobile 1600. For example, stereo system 1610 mayhave a microphone which may provide received audio signals to hostdevice 1620. As another example, the microphone may be separatelyattached—in addition to a cable connecting to the stereo system—to hostdevice 1620. In yet another example, a microphone may be in wirelesscommunication with host device 1620.

Host device 1620 may be the host of a personal area network whichincludes long-range communications device 1640. Device 1640 may be awireless phone or a RF module and provides host device 1640 access to along-range communications protocol. One of the advantages of thepersonal area network/automobile configuration shown in FIG. 16 is thata user may be able to participate in a telephone call using the stereosystem and a cable with a microphone, without requiring the automobileto have a local area network (e.g., Bluetooth circuitry) forcommunicating directly with a phone or having a built-in phone. In someembodiments, the microphone may be integrated within host device 1620 orin stereo system 1610.

Stereo system 1610 may include a display 1612 for displayinginformation. The display may be relatively simple single line of textdisplay or a full color LCD panel, and in some embodiments aninteractive LCD display. In other embodiments, display may be heads updisplay or may be integrated into the dashboard of the car. Theinformation may be provided by host device 1620. The information mayinclude, for example, information stored locally on device 1620 orobtained from a communications source by way of long-rangecommunications device 1640. Information that may be displayed includesong information such as artist, song title, album title, and album art,contact information such as names and numbers of contacts, whether thenumbers are work, cell phone, or home numbers, email addresses, calendarinformation, travel information such as travel directions, GPS locationinformation, and maps, weather information, and any other suitableinformation. An advantage of using a long-range communications source isthat the data provide such as map information may be relativelyup-to-date (at least compared to DVD-based map programs) as it may besynched from the Internet or other public network.

Stereo system 1610 can include an interface 1614 for controlling hostdevice 1620. Interface 1614 allows a user to access features of hostdevice 1620 without requiring the user to fumble around for host device1620, which can potentially make for dangerous driving conditions. Theinterface may be access on the stereo system directly, on the steeringwheel, a remote device, or some other control mechanism located in thecar. Display 1612 may display content to assist the user in navigatingthrough host device 1620 using interface 1614.

An example is discussed describing use of the system shown in FIG. 16.Stereo system 1610 may be playing music provided by host device 1620.While the music is playing, a call may be received by device 1640, atwhich point host device 1620 may stop or fade away playback of the musicand notify user of the incoming call. Host device 1620 may notify userof the incoming call by, for example, displaying the phone number or thecaller's name on the stereo display screen and cause stereo system 1610to audibly notify the user of the call. The user may accept the call by,for example, pressing a button on stereo system 1610, host device 1620,cable 1630, or other button which may be interfaced with stereo system1610 or host device 1620. When the call is accepted, the caller's speechmay be played through the automobile's speaker system and the receiver'sspeech may be picked up by the microphone integrated with cable 1630.The call may be ended when the user presses the same button used toaccept the call.

In another example, a device may receive location information that isdisplayed on stereo system 1610. This information may be used to providetravel directions to the user while the user is driving. In someembodiments, the user may be provided with a map and an indication ofthe automobile's location on the map. The location may be obtained usingGPS circuitry located in device 1640, device 1620, or device 1610 or byusing a triangulation technique using the long-range communicationsprotocol.

FIG. 17 shows a simplified illustrative block diagram of a wirelesssystem according to an embodiment of the invention. This system, asopposed to that discussed above in connection with FIG. 16, does notrequire use of a cable to provide data to, for example, a stereo system.As shown, FIG. 17 shows communications system 1710, host device 1720,and long-range communications device 1740. Communications system 1710may include personal area network circuitry 1712 which may enable it towirelessly communicate with host device 1720, long-range communicationsdevice 1740, or both. In one embodiment, communications system 1710 maybe the communications system of an automobile and may include a stereoand microphone. In another embodiment, communications system 1710 may bea personal computer, which may include a built-in microphone or iscapable of receiving a microphone via a jack connection.

During operation, host device may provide data to communications system1710. The data may be locally stored data or it may be data providedfrom long-range communications source 1740. For example, host device1720 may stream music to communications system 1710 for playback. Inanother embodiment, host device may provide telephone data received fromdevice 1740 (and other data such as caller name) to system 1710 so thatsystem 1710 can play back the music and display any relevantinformation. A microphone (not shown) may be used to receive sounds froma user and be provided to host device 1720, which may provide thereceived sound data to device 1740 for communication to a communicationssource (not shown).

In another embodiment, telephone calls may be handled using onlycommunications system 1710 and device 1740, effectively bypassing hostdevice 1720. For example, in an automobile environment, if device 1740is a RF module, the module may be permanently kept in the automobile toprovide telephony access.

Note that although FIG. 17 is discussed as a wireless communicationsystem, one or more or all communications pathways may be wired or usesome sort of physical connection.

FIG. 18 shows an illustrative sequence of screen shots showing how auser may place a telephone call using an automobile stereo system inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. The phone call may beplaced using one of the systems discussed above in connection with FIGS.16 and 17. Screen 1810 shows a list of contacts (which list may besupplied by a host device in communication with the stereo orcommunication system of the automobile) and a highlight region 1812 overone of the contacts. Information such as an icons 1813 (e.g., cell phoneor work number icon) may be displayed adjacent to each contact.Indicators 1814 may be displayed to screen 1810 to indicate to the userthat additional contacts are available. In screen 1810, highlight region1812 is highlighting the contact for Connie. In response to selectingConnie by interacting with a user interface, screen 1820 may beprovided.

Screen 1820 shows information relating to who is being called. Forexample, the name of the person being called and the number may bedisplayed, as shown. In addition, other information such as length ofphone call may be displayed.

FIG. 19 shows an illustrative sequence of screen shots showing how auser may accept a telephone call using an automobile stereo system inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. The phone call may beaccepted using one of the systems discussed above in connection withFIGS. 16 and 17. Screen 1910 shows information that may be displayed ona display screen (e.g., stereo display or a LCD display) in anautomobile. In this example, the information indicates an FM radiostation is currently being played. When a call is incoming, thiscommunication event may be displayed to indicate to a user who iscalling, as shown in screen 1920.

Assuming the user accepts the call, screen 1930 may be displayed. Screen1930 shows the caller and the caller's number and other information suchas talk time. When the phone call ends, the stereo system may resumedisplaying what was originally displayed prior to the call, as shown inscreen 1940.

FIG. 20 shows a block diagram illustrating use of a host device to entera message that is transmitted to a communications source using along-range communication device in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Although cell phones enable users to send text messages(e.g., SMS text messages) to one or more people, the interface fortyping such messages is generally constrained (e.g., by the 9 digitkeypad of the phone or by bulky phones which have flip-out keyboards).An advantage of the invention is that host device 2010 may provide aninterface that is easier to use and is not hampered by the clunkiness ofa flip-out keyboard. In FIG. 20, the combination of host device 2010 andlong-range communication device 2040 may allow a user to easily typemessages such as text messages and emails which can be transmitted usinga long-range communications protocol. Emails may be transmitted using adata layer existing on the long-range communications protocol.

In one embodiment, host device 2010 may include multi-touch screen 2012and display 2014. An example of such a host device is disclosed in U.S.patent application No. 2006/0197753, which is incorporated by referencein its entirety. A user can type a message (e.g., a text message oremail) using touch screen 2012 and send the message to a desired partyvia long-range communications device 2040. Device 2040 may be a cellphone or a RF module contained within personal area network (asindicated by dashed lines 2020) of device 2010.

FIG. 21 shows an alternative block diagram to that shown in FIG. 1 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, host device2110 may be connected to wired headset 2112 or wireless headset 2114.Wired headset 2112 may include a microphone and at least one acousticelement (e.g., speaker). Wireless headset 2114 may include circuitry forcommunicating with host device 2110 over a short range communicationsprotocol. Headsets may be dual-mode wired and wireless headsets such asthose disclosed in “Wireless Communication Headset with Wired andWireless Modes,” filed under application Ser. No. 11/620,668 on Jan. 6,2007.

Host device 2110 may communicate wirelessly with peripheral device 2120over a short range communications protocol. Host device 2110 cancommunicate with more than one peripheral device, but only is shown toavoid overcrowding the drawing. Examples of the peripheral devices arediscussed above in connection with the description accompanying FIGS. 14and 15.

Host device 2110 may communicate wirelessly with either wireless phone2130 or RF module 2140 over a short range communications protocol.Wireless phone 2130 and RF module 2140 may wirelessly communicate withcommunications source 2150 over a long-range communications protocol.

Thus it is seen that personal area network systems and methods areprovided. It is understood that the steps shown in the flowchartsdiscussed above are merely illustrative and that existing steps may bemodified, added or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the invention can be practiced by other than the describedembodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration ratherthan of limitation, and the invention is limited only by the claimswhich follow.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A method for using a host device and a long-rangecommunications device to enable a user to interact with a communicationsevent, the method comprising: using the host device to initiate acommunications event, the host device comprising locally storedcommunications event data; wirelessly accessing the long-rangecommunications device; and allowing the user to communicate by directlyinteracting with the host device.
 23. The method of claim 22, furthercomprising: using the long-range communications device to communicatewith a communication source.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein thecommunications event is a telephone call.
 25. The method of claim 22,wherein the communications event is a text message.
 26. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the long-range communications device is a RF module.27. The method of claim 22, wherein the long-range communications deviceis a wireless telephone.
 28. A method for processing a communicationsevent, the method comprising: providing a host device; providing atleast one long-range communications device operable to wirelesslycommunicate with the host device, the at least one communications deviceincludes a RF module; and enabling a user to communicate using the hostdevice.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein enabling a user tocommunicate comprises composing a textual message.
 30. The method ofclaim 28, wherein enabling a user to communicate comprises participatingin a phone call.
 31. The method of claim 28, further comprising:wirelessly interfacing the host device and the at least one long-rangecommunications device with a personal area network hosted by the hostdevice.
 32. The method of claim 28, further comprising: transmittingdata between the host device and the at least one long-rangecommunications device via the personal area network.
 33. The method ofclaim 28, further comprising: providing a peripheral device operable towirelessly communicate with the host device; and using the peripheraldevice to control operation of the host device.
 34. The method of claim28, wherein the wireless communication between the host device and theat least one long-range communication device is a directdevice-to-device wireless communication.
 35. The method of claim 28,further comprising: initiating a communications event.
 36. The method ofclaim 28, further comprising: accepting receipt of communications event.37. A method for using a fashion peripheral to control a deviceincluding short range communications circuitry, the method comprising:receiving an input command at the fashion peripheral; transmitting theinput command to the device over a short range communications protocolto the device; and causing the device to execute the input command inresponse to the device receiving the command.
 38. The method of claim37, further comprising: displaying information on a display screen ofthe fashion peripheral.
 39. The method of claim 37, wherein the inputcommand is a command to control a playback function of the device. 40.The method of claim 37, wherein the input command is a command tocontrol telephony functionality of the device.
 41. The method of claim37, further comprising: using the device to access a long-rangecommunications device in response to receiving the input command. 42.The method of claim 38, wherein the information is status informationabout the host device or the long-range communications device.
 43. Amethod for using a host device with an automobile stereo system, thehost device is in communication with a long-range communications device,the method comprising: connecting the host device to the stereo system;and using the host device to route communication events received by thelong-range communications device through the stereo system.
 44. Themethod of claim 43, further comprising: receiving a communication eventat the long-range communications device; transmitting receipt of thecommunication event to the host device; and indicating the receipt ofthe communication event using the stereo system.
 45. The method of claim44, further comprising: using the stereo system to accept receipt of thecommunication event.
 46. The method of claim 43, further comprising:using the stereo system to initiate a communications event.
 47. Themethod of claim 46, wherein using the stereo system to initiate acommunications event comprises: scrolling through a list of contacts;selecting a contact; and initiating the communications event.
 48. Themethod of claim 43, further comprising: using the stereo system toselect a media file stored on the host device for playback.
 49. Themethod of claim 43, further comprising: receiving audio signals with amicrophone; and transmitting the received audio signals to thelong-range communications device.
 50. The method of claim 43, whereinusing the host device to route communication events received by thelong-range communications device through the stereo system comprises:audibly broadcasting audio signals received by the long-rangecommunications device through the stereo system.
 51. The method of claim43, further comprising: displaying information provided by the hostdevice on a display of the stereo system.
 52. A method for using a hostdevice and a plurality of long-range communications devices, the methodcomprising: determining that the host device can directly wirelesslycommunicate with at least two of the plurality of long-rangecommunications devices; and selecting which one of the at least twolong-range communications devices to access based on weighting criteria.